It’s a clear Friday morning as the buzz of radial engines fills the air around Mustang Field at the El Reno Airport.
Among the hustle and bustle of workers putting the finishing touches on the Caldwell Collection’s latest exhibit, Founder Tony Caldwell is hosting a handful of discovery flights in a few of the vintage planes from his collection.
“I’m excited to be able to share my love of vintage aircraft with Canadian County and all of Oklahoma,” said Caldwell. “It’s a privilege to restore these beautiful planes. Every one has a unique history and special place in the collection.”
Set to open to the public with a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Oct. 4, the Caldwell Collection totals more than 20 classic aircraft including several from Caldwell’s own assortment and others on loan from various private collections.
Notable among Caldwell’s aircraft are several Waco biplanes. Pronounced “wah-co” for the uninitiated, the Waco is a biplane that was originally manufactured from 1920 through the end of the 1940s. Built during a time commonly known as the “Golden Age of Aviation,” the Waco led the industry in registered aircraft making it the best-selling civilian biplane in the U.S. at the time.
Another standout in the collection is a Stearman PT-17 on loan from Waldo Wright’s Flying Service out of Florida. The 1942 trainer is piloted by its owner, Waldo “Rob” Wright. Wright runs the onsite Waldo Wright Restoration Shop. The shop serves as both a workspace and a living exhibit, allowing visitors the chance to watch the antique revitalization process firsthand. The collection, along with the restoration shop, a café and a small library, is housed within a 30,000 square-foot, fully restored 1943 WWII hangar at El Reno Regional Airport.
Saturday’s grand opening includes the ribbon-cutting celebration, up-close exhibits and displays as well as live restoration demonstrations. The event coincides with El Reno Airport’s 6th Annual Fly-In and Community Day. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Gates open at 10 a.m. at El Reno Regional Airport, 6600 S. Mustang Field Rd. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early and bring collapsible chairs, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and hearing protection. Spectators are allowed to bring bottled water. Food trucks will also be on site.
Several communities in Oklahoma were primed for aviation-related activities during the first weekend in October, including Stillwater, Tulsa and Ardmore.
